MP Mark Pawsey has stepped forward to support a major new national campaign designed to get more people active in the outdoors, leading to a happier, healthier nation. Britain on Foot could help add four years to the lives of Rugby residents, by inspiring those who are not active at the moment to try outdoor activities. Mark has given his backing to the campaign and is encouraging the people of Rugby to get outdoors this summer.
A recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health demonstrating that doing just 150 minutes of light exercise a week (such as five 30 minute walks), can extend the average life span by over four years, with significant increases in life expectancy also recorded in those currently suffering from serious illnesses, such as cancer.
Walking has been widely heralded by the medical community as one of the best ways to stay healthy and enjoy a long life. With over 150,000 miles of public footpaths and rights of way in the UK, stretching from major cities to the nation’s wildest landscapes, crucially, it is also free to enjoy and available to everyone.
Mark said:
“Britain on Foot is an important campaign that is really easy to get involved in and it can make a big difference to the lives of people here in Rugby. Walking, along with many other outdoor activities, is such a simple route to a better lifestyle and it’s so easy to get started. Crucially, access to outdoor activities is easy and relatively inexpensive - apart from anything else, the venue is often free.
Mark concluded:
“Here in Rugby, we are surrounded by some wonderful countryside. Britain on Foot will offer ideas, news of events and advice that will help people of all ages and abilities to start exploring the outdoors, wherever they live. I wholeheartedly support the campaign and hope that it proves to be a big success in Rugby.”
One of the key objectives of Britain on Foot is to encourage existing outdoor enthusiasts to persuade relatives, friends and colleagues to explore the outdoors. The campaign aims to give those people the ideal inspiration and opportunities to get outside. Anyone can get involved in Britain on Foot, simply by getting active in the outdoors.
Everything everybody needs to know about the campaign can be found in three main places:
• The campaign website – www.britainonfoot.co.uk. The site hosts BoF news and a comprehensive calendar of events that are being promoted under the programme banner.
• Twitter, via @BritainonFoot. BoF news and event information will be tweeted throughout the year. People can also show their support and help spread the word by adding a Twibbon to their own Twitter profile image or by using the hashtags #BritainonFoot or #BoF.
• Facebook, at www.facebook.com/BritainonFoot, where the latest BoF news is posted and the public can share their own experiences of the outdoors with others, along with photos.
In addition, BoF has teamed up with the Department of Health’s healthy living initiative, Change4Life, which will run an activity based campaign throughout the summer. BoF will feature in that campaign and on the Change4Life website (http://www.nhs.uk/Change4Life/Pages/change-for-life.aspx).
To find out more about Britain on Foot visit www.britainonfoot.co.uk, email bof@theoia.co.uk, or follow @BritainonFoot on Twitter.